Challenge 2026

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Events

Challenge 2026

July 3, 2026 /In-Person

Omni Hotel, Ft. Worth, TX

What is the Challenge ?

The Challenge is the Mensa Foundation’s guided program that helps people turn a real-world problem into a plan they can actually carry forward.

The Challenge takes place during American Mensa’s Annual Gathering at the Omni Hotel in Fort Worth, TX and runs as a three-hour event on July 3, 2026.

Presenters share a problem and proposed solution, receive rapid feedback from collaborators in the room, workshop their idea into a practical action plan, then present their plan and what support they need to move forward. Presenter spots are limited to 7.

Proposals are due June 5, 2026. Featured presenters will be selected and notified by email by June 10, 2026.

Collaborators attend to help strengthen projects by listening, asking clarifying questions, and offering practical feedback during the event. You do not need to present to participate.

Open to Annual Gathering registrants. Mensa membership is not required.

Details

How it will work.

Presenters briefly share a problem and proposed solution, then get clarifying questions and practical feedback from collaborators in the room. Next, presenters work solo or with collaborators to build a practical action plan. The program ends with presenters sharing their plan and what support they need to move it forward.

01.

Present problem statement

Share what’s happening, who it affects, and why it matters.

02.

Action plan sprint

Work solo or with collaborators to shape a clear, workable action plan.

03.

Present action plan

Share the plan and requested support.

Prompt

What problem do you want to solve, and what solution do you want to pursue?

In 2026, we are especially interested in ideas connected to brain health.

You do not need a polished plan. During the Challenge, we’ll help you strengthen your solution and turn it into a clear, workable action plan you can carry forward.

Ready to take the first step?

Join Challenge 2026 and move from a problem you care about to a practical first version of a solution you can carry forward.

Schedule

Timeline

The Challenge is a 3-hour, in-person working session. Presenters share a problem and proposed solution, get live feedback and questions, then work solo or with collaborators to build an action plan and share their plan and ask before leaving.

Kickoff (10 min) :

How the session works, timekeeping, and how collaborators can join teams.

Problem Statement Presentations (50 min) :

Presenters share their problem statement and proposed solution, followed by questions and rapid feedback from the room.

Action Plan Workshop (20 min) :

A guided session on turning your idea into a clear, workable action plan.

Action Plan Sprint (60 minutes) :

Teams or individuals build their action plan, including next steps, success measures, and what support is needed.

Final Presentations (30 minutes) :

Presenters share their plan and make their support needs known.

Closing (10 minutes) :

Wrap-up, awards, and what happens next after the event.

Awards

We’ll wrap up by recognizing a few standout moments from the session, from clear problem framing to generous collaboration.

01.

Best Problem Statement

Recognizes the clearest, most compelling articulation of a real-world problem and why it matters.

02.

Most Innovative Solution

Recognizes originality, creativity, and a strong match between the solution and the problem.

03.

The Real MVP

Honors the participant who elevates the entire room through collaboration, generosity, and genuine support for others.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Have more questions? Contact us.

What’s the difference between a Presenter and a Collaborator?

Presenters share a problem and solution direction, then workshop an action plan and present what they need to move it forward. Collaborators participate by asking clarifying questions, offering practical feedback, and joining teams during the action plan sprint if they choose.

Is there an age requirement to participate?

Yes. Participants must be 15 or older to register and participate in the Challenge. If under 18, you must have a parent / guardian permission to participate.

Can I attend if I don’t want to present?

Yes. You can register as a collaborator and participate without presenting.

How long is the event?

The Challenge is a three-hour event on July 3, 2026.

When is the proposal deadline and when will presenters be notified?

Presenter proposals are due June 5, 2026 at 11:59 PM CT. Selected presenters will be notified by email by June 10, 2026. If you are not selected as a presenter, you are welcome to participate as a collaborator.

What counts as a “proposal”?

A proposal is a short submission that explains your problem, who it affects, why it matters, and the solution direction you want to pursue. It should be clear enough for the room to give feedback and help you build an action plan.

What makes a proposal likely to be selected?

We select proposals that fit the format. Strong submissions describe a clear, specific problem, a plausible proposed solution to workshop, and a compelling reason it matters. Projects do not need to be polished.

How are presenter spots filled?

Presenter spots are limited to 10. Featured presenters are selected and notified by email.

What do I need to prepare in advance?

Presenters should come with a clear problem statement and a proposed solution. You do not need a polished plan. Collaborators do not need to prepare anything, but it helps to come ready to listen, ask clarifying questions, and offer practical feedback.

Do I need to have a team?

No. You can work solo. If you want, you can form a small team with collaborators during the event.

Do I need a polished plan or a finished project?

No. The Challenge is designed to help you strengthen the idea and shape a workable plan you can carry forward.

What kinds of problems are a good fit?

Problems tied to real life in your community, school, workplace, or field of interest. The best fit is a problem you care about that can benefit from feedback and can be moved forward through a practical plan.

What happens during the feedback portion?

Presenters share their idea, then the collaborators in the room offer clarifying questions and practical feedback to strengthen the concept and pressure test what is realistic.

What will I leave with?

Presenters leave with a clearer problem statement, a strengthened solution direction, a practical action plan, and a defined ask for support. Collaborators leave with new connections and the experience of helping projects move from idea to plan.

What does “ask for support” mean?

It means naming what would help you move forward, such as introductions, expertise, partners, resources, or potential funding pathways.

Is funding guaranteed?

No. Funding is not guaranteed. Select projects may be eligible for follow-up support from the Mensa Foundation, including potential grant funding, mentorship, introductions, and other resources.

Will there be a cash prize?

No. There is no cash prize. Awards are presented at the conclusion of the event, and select projects may be eligible for follow-up support from the Mensa Foundation.